Trial by Jury
by If you have you ever been called to serve on the jury, you might know some of these basics. Without a doubt, some of the activities will astound you as well.
After having moved from state to state a lot of my adult years, I seemed to have been nullified for jury duty until I became a registered voter in my present state. Random choosing is not something I give credit for my every two years selection. I think someone looks at my record exactly every two years, since that is what my personal calendar shows which is also the minimum number of years in between serving as a juror. I share with you now, my initial, truthful actions as the event of trial by jury unfolds.
Beginning the jury trial event, a summons arrives in the mail requiring a person to respond within 5 days. A number is given and a date at which you begin phoning to find out when to report to court. The night before you start being a valuable person in the system you are required to call the appropriate numbers to see where your number is placed. On that designated date you show up, on time, sign in and place your juror badge on the outside of your garment so all can see you are a juror. This is important; so lawyers and other people can refrain from discussing any particulars in your presence that might be heard and influence you as a juror. You don’t know much of anything, but there are numerous people who know a lot and they should be aware of you.
The various rooms are assigned to activities of the court, so you are ushered into an area where you are introduced to several other prospective jurors. Meanwhile the sign in roster is given to the court room assistant, which I believe is compared to the number of summons that were mailed. You then become a part of the jury system in many different ways.
Some selection begins early in the jury choice, however one does not immediately know placement in the 12 person jury box or the 8 alternate spots sometime well into 3 to 4 days. Depending on the merit of the case those numbers might well go into 100 prospective jurors. People do have independent lives that can create a reason for not continuing to be counted as available for jury positioning. Each person is given an opportunity to state a valid reason why they consider themselves to be an unacceptable person to serve on a jury. Some might be highly personal while others have to do with finances or other judgements they may offer to the judge to release them from jury duty.
Probably anyone wanting to excuse themselves can state something to remove themselves from a case. This might be time to consider putting oneself in anothers shoes. A question of oneself could be uttered silently or openly to a caring loved one. One idea might be: “If I were on either side of the lawyers bench, either the accused or the defended, would I want someone to hear my side of the story with grounded facts presented?” Not everyone is able to empathize, which is putting oneself in another person’s position. You might have to truly work on being able to think of yourself in that uncomfortable place for quite some time, to actually bring yourself into that spot.
Lawyers have much experience in quickly deciding who would be one of the peers for the jury selection. With an opportunity to talk with a person on an individual basis, as a group in the courtroom and from questionnaires too, these provide much information legal defendants and prosecutors alike have given to them.
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Post Commentdeep blue
On April 12, 2010 at 3:50 am
The legal system has its glitches and certainly works out like politics. It’s best to keep out of any legal violations to keep out from trouble. An interesting post, Rob.
maeraquel
On April 12, 2010 at 7:32 am
If I were chosen to be on a jury, I would readily decline. I won’t tell why either.
Melody SJAL
On April 12, 2010 at 10:19 am
Jury selection has often fascinates me. Interesting post, my friend.
CHAN LEE PENG
On April 12, 2010 at 11:56 am
There is sometimes unexplainable issue behind the jury, and it’s aways uncertain due to its complexity to understand. Thanks, clicked you “liked it”
PR Mace
On April 12, 2010 at 12:19 pm
So far I have never been chosen for a jury and I hope I never will, I don’t want it on my hands. What if I make the wrong decision?
Jswana
On April 12, 2010 at 2:35 pm
I know exactly what you mean. I’ve done two Civil cases, one involving a security guard that worked in the A& P food store when I was young. He went on to guard a smaller private store and had killed a boy and was declared not guilty of homicide but the family was suing him for wrongful death. I had to be honest when they asked me if there was a reason why I wouldn’t be an impartial juror; I had to admit I knew him (but didn’t tell the examiner that I didn’t like him either…). Fine article on the Jury process.
ken bultman
On April 12, 2010 at 8:06 pm
I have been called twice, served once. Doesn’t pay enough.
nobert soloria bermosa
On April 12, 2010 at 8:40 pm
that makes US judicial system unique,we don’t have a jury here
Judy Sheldon
On April 12, 2010 at 11:03 pm
I hated being called for jury duty because it meant loss of wages on both my jobs and very small pay for serving on the jury. The case was interesting and the judge thanked us for making a good decision. I think if they expect someone to give up their salary for the day they need to compensate them fairly.
ronthoughts
On April 13, 2010 at 3:36 am
i love watching movies about jury trial, we don’t have jury in RP.
T.Rex McGoogle
On April 13, 2010 at 11:53 am
It’s a good way to help our court system. We can contribute by serving. This article explains the procedure very well. Thanks for passing it on in a well written article.
Sharif Ishnin
On April 13, 2010 at 10:40 pm
It’s not an easy job to do but someone’s got to do it eventually. Very interesting post.
Will Gray
On April 14, 2010 at 11:06 am
Great article!
CA Johnson
On April 15, 2010 at 6:24 pm
This was a very interesting article. I was summoned for jury duty in March. I was excused from the case though.